Is there anything our next Governor General can't do? Julie Payette’s staggeringly impressive resume, among other qualities, makes her a great fit for the post.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the former astronaut as the government’s recommendation to the Queen to take up the post as Canada’s 29th Governor General.

While it’s a largely symbolic role, the post must be filled by someone with immense and broad knowledge. They need to conduct their role in such a way that they can represent our whole nation with strength and dignity.

The person must also be someone Canadians can look up to and respect and who can act as a role model for our youth.

The 53-year-old Montrealer served two missions in space first in 1999 and then a decade later in 2009. During these missions she logged hundreds of hours in space and operated the famous Canadarm. She also served as the Canadian Space Agency’s chief astronaut for a seven-year period.

Payette is a trained engineer and maintains her association with her profession on an advisory board for McGill University’s engineering department.

But she’s not solely about technical skills. She keeps active in several sports and has performed as a musician and singer with professional orchestras both in Canada and abroad.

Toss in the numerous sports she plays and that she speaks six languages and it’s clear Payette brings an ample and diverse skill set to the job.

When the post does require serious decisions to be made, the stakes are often high. Michaelle Jean experienced this first-hand during the prorogation of 2008. In consultation with experts, the GG has to decide on the political fate of Canada. Ensuring the stability of the country is the key duty during these deliberative periods.

It’s a post best suited for natural leaders who can keep calm in challenging situations. We’re guessing Payette, with her experience in space where even minor decisions can have life and death implications, is well equipped to face moments such as these.

As a constitutional monarchy, Canada can’t function without a Governor General up to the task.